User Controller With User Presence Detection And Related Systems And Methods

ABSTRACT

The present invention is relates to a user controller having a thumb sheath with an open side defined in the thumb sheath. Further embodiments relate to thumb presence sensors and sensory feedback components associated with the thumb sheath. Additional embodiments relate to an adjustable thumb sheath. Still other embodiments relate to systems comprising such user controllers.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application claims priority as a continuation application to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/896,678, filed Jun. 9, 2020 and entitled “User Controller with User Presence Detection and Related Systems and Methods,” which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 11,284,958 on Mar. 29, 2022, which claims priority as a continuation to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/826,166, filed Nov. 29, 2017, and entitled “User Controller with User Presence Detection and Related Systems and Methods,” which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,675,110 on Jun. 9, 2020, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62/427,357, filed Nov. 29, 2016, and entitled “Controller with User Presence Detection and Related Systems and Methods,” all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The various embodiments herein relate to user presence detection on a multi-degree-of-freedom (DOF) user input device for use in systems such as, for example, robotic medical device systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

User input devices with many degrees of freedom require the user to support the mass of the input device.

One example of such a known input device is depicted in FIGS. 1-2B. FIG. 1 depicts the multi-DOF user input device 8 for the left hand of the user. To interface with the device 8, the user places the left palm on the main body 10 of the user controller 8, the forefinger on the forefinger interface 12 that is able to move relative to the main body 10 via a rotary link 14, and the thumb in the thumb groove 16. The main body 10 of the user interface 8 is connected to a multi-DOF positioning or sensing system through a linkage 18. In order to supply forces and torques to move the user interface 8 both a thumb restraint 20 and forefinger restraint 22 to constrain the users hand to the device 8.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict the ability of the user to further input an open/close motion of the forefinger interface 12, which is connected to the main body 10 using a link 14 and rotary joint 30. The minimum displacement 32 (as shown in FIG. 2A) and maximum displacement 34 (as shown in FIG. 2B) can be measured and used as an additional control signal. The thumb restraint 20 and forefinger restraint 22 supply constraints such that the user maintains control of the main body 10 while moving the grasper throughout its range of motion. Such restraints, while enabling the user to input another control signal, make it difficult for the user to disengage with the device 8 in a controlled manner.

Further, in order for the user to exit the device in a controlled fashion, support of the input device must transferred to the input device itself or the signal being output by the device must cease. That is, during use, the input device is supported or maintained in its operable position by the hand of the user, but removal of the user's hand from the input device without any mechanical force applied by the system itself causes the input device to be pulled downward by gravity, which can result in the robotic device or component operably coupled to the input device to move or be actuated in an undesirable fashion.

There is a need in the art for improved methods and devices for detecting the presence of a user at, on, or using a user input device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Discussed herein are various user controllers for use with various systems, including robotic surgical systems.

In Example 1, a user controller comprises a controller body and a thumb sheath coupled to the controller body. The thumb sheath comprises a first sheath section extending from the controller body, and a second sheath section extending from the first sheath section, wherein the second sheath section is transverse to the first sheath segment. The first sheath section, the second sheath section, and the controller body define a thumb opening and an open side.

Example 2 relates to the user controller according to Example 1, wherein the first sheath section, the second sheath section, and the controller body do not form a 360° enclosure around the thumb opening.

Example 3 relates to the user controller according to Example 1, further comprising a light sensor disposed within the thumb opening.

Example 4 relates to the user controller according to Example 1, further comprising a light emitter disposed on an inner wall of the thumb sheath and a light receiver disposed on the controller body, wherein the light receiver is positioned to receive light transmitted by the light emitter.

Example 5 relates to the user controller according to Example 1, further comprising a light emitter disposed on the controller body and a light receiver disposed on an inner wall of the thumb sheath, wherein the light receiver is positioned to receive light transmitted by the light emitter.

Example 6 relates to the user controller according to Example 1, further comprising a light emitter and a light receiver, wherein the light emitter and light receiver are disposed on the controller body.

Example 7 relates to the user controller according to Example 1, further comprising a capacitive sensor disposed on the controller body within the thumb sheath.

Example 8 relates to the user controller according to Example 1, further comprising a mechanical sensor disposed on the controller body within the thumb sheath.

Example 9 relates to the user controller according to Example 1, wherein the thumb sheath is adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position.

Example 10 relates to the user controller according to Example 1, further comprising a feedback signal component disposed on an outer surface of the thumb sheath, wherein the feedback signal component is visible to a user.

Example 11 relates to the user controller according to Example 1, wherein a user's thumb is removable from the thumb sheath via the thumb opening or the open side.

In Example 12, a robotic surgical system comprises a system controller, a robotic surgical device operably coupled to the system controller, and a user controller operably coupled to the system controller. The robotic surgical device comprises a device body, at least one robotic arm operably coupled to the device body, and at least one end effector operably coupled to the robotic arm. The user controller comprises a controller body, and a thumb sheath coupled to the controller body, wherein the thumb sheath and the controller body define a thumb opening and a side opening.

Example 13 relates to the robotic surgical system according to Example 12, wherein the thumb sheath comprises a first sheath section extending from the controller body and defining a first wall of the thumb opening, a second sheath section extending from the first sheath second and defining a second wall of the thumb opening, and a third wall of the thumb opening defined by the controller body.

Example 14 relates to the robotic surgical system according to Example 13, wherein the side opening is defined between the second wall and the third wall.

Example 15 relates to the robotic surgical system according to Example 12, wherein the thumb sheath does not form a 360° enclosure around the thumb opening.

Example 16 relates to the robotic surgical system according to Example 12, further comprising a thumb presence sensor disposed within the thumb opening.

Example 17 relates to the robotic surgical system according to Example 16, wherein the thumb presence sensor comprises a light sensor, a capacitive sensor, or a mechanical sensor.

Example 18 relates to the robotic surgical system according to Example 12, wherein the thumb sheath is adjustable between a retracted position and an extended position.

Example 19 relates to the robotic surgical system according to Example 12, further comprising a feedback signal component disposed on an outer surface of the thumb sheath, wherein the feedback signal component is visible to a user.

Example 20 relates to the robotic surgical system according to Example 12, wherein a user's thumb is removable from the thumb sheath via the thumb opening or the side opening.

While multiple embodiments are disclosed, still other embodiments of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which shows and describes illustrative embodiments of the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of modifications in various obvious aspects, all without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the drawings and detailed description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a known user input device.

FIG. 2A is a top view of the known user input device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is another top view of the known user input device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a user input device with a thumb sheath, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a user input device with a thumb sheath and a light-based sensor, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a user input device with a thumb sheath and another light-based sensor, according to a further embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic depiction of a known circuit configuration for use with a light-based sensor, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a user input device with a thumb sheath and a capacitive sensor, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a schematic depiction of a known circuit configuration for use with a capacitive sensor, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic depiction of a known circuit configuration for use with a mechanical sensor, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a user input device with a thumb sheath and a sensory signal, according to one embodiment.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a user input device with an adjustable thumb sheath in a retracted position, according to a further embodiment.

FIG. 11B is a perspective view of a user input device with an adjustable thumb sheath in an extended position, according to a further embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a user input device with a thumb sheath and a mechanical sensor, according to one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The various embodiments herein relate to methods and devices for detecting the presence of a user at, on, or using a multi-DOF user input device in which the user grasps the device using a pincer grasp. That is, the various embodiments have a sheath mounted on the input device that is configured to detect the presence of the user's hand. If the user's hand (or more specifically the thumb, according to certain embodiments) is detected by the sheath, the device transmits a signal (“the presence signal”) to the system (such as, for example, the system controller component of the system) that the user is in position and control should be enabled. When the hand is removed, the absence of the “presence signal” can be used to cease use of the device output or, if it is haptically enabled, lock the device in place.

It is understood that the various user controller embodiments herein can be used with various robotic surgical systems in which the user controller is the user interface and is coupled to the surgical system such that the user controller can be used to control a robotic surgical device positioned into or within a cavity of a patient. That is, the various user controller embodiments and related systems and methods disclosed herein can be incorporated into, used in conjunction with, or used as part of any other known robotic surgical systems, devices, or methods. For example, the various embodiments disclosed herein may be incorporated into or used with any of the medical devices and systems disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,968,332 (issued on Mar. 3, 2015 and entitled “Magnetically Coupleable Robotic Devices and Related Methods”), U.S. Pat. No. 8,834,488 (issued on Sep. 16, 2014 and entitled “Magnetically Coupleable Surgical Robotic Devices and Related Methods”), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/617,232 (filed on Feb. 9, 2015 and entitled “Robotic Surgical Devices and Related Methods”), U.S. Pat. No. 9,579,088 (issued on Feb. 28, 2017 and entitled “Methods, Systems, and Devices for Surgical Visualization and Device Manipulation”), U.S. Pat. No. 8,343,171 (issued on Jan. 1, 2013 and entitled “Methods and Systems of Actuation in Robotic Devices”), U.S. Pat. No. 8,828,024 (issued on Sep. 9, 2014 and entitled “Methods and Systems of Actuation in Robotic Devices”), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/454,035 (filed Aug. 7, 2014 and entitled “Methods and Systems of Actuation in Robotic Devices”), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/192,663 (filed Aug. 15, 2008 and entitled Medical Inflation, Attachment, and Delivery Devices and Related Methods”), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/018,530 (filed Feb. 8, 2016 and entitled “Medical Inflation, Attachment, and Delivery Devices and Related Methods”), U.S. Pat. No. 8,974,440 (issued on Mar. 10, 2015 and entitled “Modular and Cooperative Medical Devices and Related Systems and Methods”), U.S. Pat. No. 8,679,096 (issued on Mar. 25, 2014 and entitled “Multifunctional Operational Component for Robotic Devices”), U.S. Pat. No. 9,179,981 (issued on Nov. 10, 2015 and entitled “Multifunctional Operational Component for Robotic Devices”), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/936,234 (filed on Nov. 9, 2015 and entitled “Multifunctional Operational Component for Robotic Devices”), U.S. Pat. No. 8,894,633 (issued on Nov. 25, 2014 and entitled “Modular and Cooperative Medical Devices and Related Systems and Methods”), U.S. Pat. No. 8,968,267 (issued on Mar. 3, 2015 and entitled “Methods and Systems for Handling or Delivering Materials for Natural Orifice Surgery”), U.S. Pat. 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No. 14/210,934 (filed Mar. 14, 2014 and entitled “Methods, Systems, and Devices Relating to Force Control Surgical Systems), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/212,686 (filed Mar. 14, 2014 and entitled “Robotic Surgical Devices, Systems, and Related Methods”), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/334,383 (filed Jul. 17, 2014 and entitled “Robotic Surgical Devices, Systems, and Related Methods”), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/853,477 (filed Sep. 14, 2015 and entitled “Quick-Release End Effectors and Related Systems and Methods”), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/938,667 (filed Nov. 11, 2015 and entitled “Robotic Device with Compact Joint Design and Related Systems and Methods”), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/227,813 (filed Aug. 3, 2016 and entitled “Robotic Surgical Devices, Systems, and Related Methods”), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/599,231 (filed May 18, 2017 and entitled “Robotic Surgical Devices, Systems, and Related Methods”), U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/691,087 (filed Aug. 30, 2017 and entitled “Robotic Device with Compact Joint Design and an Additional Degree of Freedom and Related Systems and Methods”), U.S. Patent Application 62/425,149 (filed Nov. 22, 2016 and entitled “Improved Gross Positioning Device and Related Systems and Methods”), U.S. Patent Application 62/433,837 (filed Dec. 14, 2016 and entitled “Releasable Attachment Device for Coupling to Medical Devices and Related Systems and Methods”), and U.S. Pat. No. 7,492,116 (filed on Oct. 31, 2007 and entitled “Robot for Surgical Applications”), U.S. Pat. No. 7,772,796 (filed on Apr. 3, 2007 and entitled “Robot for Surgical Applications”), and U.S. Pat. No. 8,179,073 (issued May 15, 2011, and entitled “Robotic Devices with Agent Delivery Components and Related Methods”), all of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Thus, the various user controller 8 embodiments disclosed or contemplated herein can be used with any robotic surgical system to operate a robotic device or a component thereof, including such a device that is positioned in or through an incision into a target cavity or tissue of a patient. As such, the user utilizes her thumb and forefinger to manipulate the user controller 8, which thereby actuates the device or components thereof to perform a desired procedure.

FIG. 3 depicts a user controller 8 according to one embodiment having a thumb sheath (also referred to as a “enclosure,” “sleeve,” or “shroud”) 40, instead of a thumb restraint as discussed above in relation to FIGS. 1-2B. As used herein, “sheath,” “enclosure,” “sleeve,” or “shroud” is intended to mean any structure that encloses the user's thumb on three sides while defining an opening on the fourth side through which the user can remove her thumb. The thumb sheath 40 surrounds the thumb on two sides, with the main body 10 restraining on a third side, leaving a single side open. More specifically, the sheath 40 has a first section 40A extending from the body 10 and a second section 40B extending from the first section 40A in a direction substantially transverse to the first section 40A, thereby enclosing two sides around the thumb opening 48 such that the thumb opening 48 is defined by the first section 40A, the second section 40B, and the thumb groove 16. Alternatively, the device 8 need not have a thumb groove—the body 10 can define the third side in such implementations. As a result, the thumb sheath 40 and the thumb groove 16 or body 10 further define an open side 49 as shown. In contrast, the known thumb restraint 20 discussed above operates in conjunction with the thumb groove 16 to entirely surround or enclose the thumb on four sides—the entire 360° around the thumb.

In one embodiment, the thumb sheath 40 can sufficiently constrains the user's thumb when it is positioned within the thumb opening 48 such that the thumb can be used to perform a “pinching motion” in conjunction with the forefinger to cause the forefinger restraint 22 to move away from or closer to the body 10 in the directions represented by arrow 42. As such, the thumb sheath 40 can operate in a fashion similar to the known thumb restraint 20 discussed above. In contrast to that restraint 20, however, the sheath 40 also allows two methods of egress for the thumb. That is, the user's thumb can not only be retracted proximally in the direction represented by arrow 46 in the same fashion as possible with the known thumb restraint 20, but can also be moved out of the thumb opening 48 in the direction represented by arrow 44 through the open side 49. As can be seen in FIG. 3, the two directions of potential egress are normal to the direction of pinching (represented by arrow 42) and each other. As such, this configuration of the sheath 40 allows for both fine control of pinching motion while enabling the user to disengage from the device 8 by removing her thumb in a controlled and simple manner.

To clarify, the term “user controller” as used herein will refer to the various embodiments of a user input device to be manipulated by a user to provide input to and thereby operate some portion of a robotic system. In contrast, the term “system controller” will refer to any processor, computer or other system controller component (such as a microprocessor or the like) that can be used to operate a system.

FIG. 4 depicts a further implementation of a user controller 8 having a sensor 51 configured to detect the presence of the user's thumb. It is understood that this embodiment of the controller 8 has a thumb sheath 40 substantially similar to the sheath 40 described above, including the features and benefits as described. Further, in this exemplary implementation, a user presence sensor 51 is incorporated into the sheath 40. The device 8 has a matched light emitter 50 disposed on the sheath 40 and a receiver 52 disposed on the body 10. Alternatively, the emitter can be on the body 10 and the receiver can be on the sheath 40. In a further alternative, two or more such sensors can be incorporated into the device 8. The emitter 50 and receiver 52 are positioned in a manner which generally aligns the path of light 54 transmitted by the emitter 50 with the direction of motion of the pinching motion as represented by arrow 42. In use, the emitter 50 and receiver 52 are placed such that when the user's thumb is not present, light (visible or otherwise) from the emitter 50 reaches the receiver 52. In contrast, when the user's thumb is present within the thumb opening 48, the path of the light 54 is blocked. The absence of this signal can then be used as an indicator of user presence (that is, the presence of the user's thumb within the thumb opening 48), thereby indicating that the user is grasping the user controller 8. Once the light path is blocked by the user's thumb, restoration of this signal, an indicator of user absence, is achieved by retracting the thumb in either of two directions as represented by arrows 44 and 46, which are normal to the direction of pinching represented by arrow 42 and the path of light 54 (as discussed above). This configuration of sheath 40 and sensor 51 allows for motion of the thumb in the direction of pinching (as represented by arrow 42) without allowing light to pass. This allows for the sheath 40 to be sufficiently loose such that egress is easily achieved. That is, the size of the thumb opening 48 in relation to the user's thumb does not impact the ability of the sensor 51 to detect the presence therein or the ability of the user to utilize the sheath 40 to allow the user to utilize the pinching motion to move the forefinger restraint as discussed above.

Alternatively, any known sensor or sensor technology can be used with the user controller 8 to detect the presence (and absence) of the user's thumb within the sheath 40.

The sensor 51 allows for the user controller 8 (and the system to which the controller 8 is coupled) to utilize the information about the presence or absence of the user's thumb to activate or deactivate mechanical support of the user controller 8. That is, the sensor 51 can be configured to transmit a “presence” signal to the system controller (not shown) of the system (not shown) when the thumb is inserted into the sheath 40 such that the system controller deactivates any mechanical support of the user controller 8. Similarly, the sensor 51 can also be configured to transmit an “absence” signal to the system controller (not shown) when the thumb is retracted from the sheath 40 such that the system controller activates mechanical support of the user controller 8, thereby preventing gravity from causing the user controller 8 from moving in an undesirable fashion that causes the controlled robotic device to also move in an undesirable fashion.

FIG. 5 depicts an alternative embodiment of a user controller 8 having a reflected light sensor 61. That is, the user controller 8 has an emitter 60 and a receiver 62 that are both embedded in the main body 10 as shown such that the emitted light 64 from the emitter 60 returns to the receiver 62 as reflected light 66 by the nearest occlusion. In this configuration, the presence of the user's thumb within the sheath 40 provides a much shorter path than the sheath 40 and thus a corresponding stronger return signal than would be detected in the absence of the thumb. This signal can then be thresholded to determine the binary presence/absence of the user's thumb. That is, a predetermined threshold can be established above which it is understood that a user's thumb is present in the sheath 40 such that a presence signal is transmitted to the system controller (not shown). In one implementation, it is understood that this embodiment has substantially the same features, modes of egress, and advantages, including insensitivity to motion in the direction of pinching motion, as the previously described embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary known circuit for use in conjunction with a sensor such as either of the sensors 51, 61 discussed above with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5 for detecting the presence of a user's thumb within the sheath 40. In this embodiment, one or more pairs of infrared (IR) emitters and detectors are provided that are similar to those described in FIG. 4 or FIG. 5. The presence of the user's thumb blocks the IR light from the emitter from reaching the detector, changing the output state of the circuit. Each emitter/detector pair described uses the circuit in FIG. 6 to detect presence. When the user's thumb is absent from the device, phototransistor Q1 receives IR light from LED1. This turns the transistor on, causing a current to flow through resistor R1, and a non-zero voltage to appear on the non-inverting input (pin 5) of the comparator U1. If this voltage is higher than the inverting input of U1, set by the voltage divider of R2 and R3, the output of the comparator is switched on, lowering the output voltage to 0. When the detector Q1 is blocked, the transistor is off, and the output of the circuit is 5 volts. Alternatively, any known circuit or circuit configuration can be used for this purpose.

FIG. 7 depicts a further embodiment of a sensor 70 for use in a user controller 8. In this specific implementation, instead of a light-based technology, the sensor 70 is a known capacitive sensor 70 positioned in the main body 10 as shown. The capacitive sensor 70 functions as a known capacitive sensor 70 operates to detect the presence of the user's thumb within the sheath 40. According to one embodiment, it is understood that this embodiment has substantially the same features, modes of egress, and advantages, including insensitivity to motion in the direction of pinching motion, as the previously described embodiments.

FIG. 8 depicts an exemplary known circuit for use in conjunction with a capacitive sensor such as the sensor 70 discussed above with respect to FIG. 7 for detecting the presence of a user's thumb within the sheath 40, according to another implementation. One or more capacitive sensors are placed on the inner surface of the thumb sheath, such as the sensor 70 in FIG. 7. In use, when the user's thumb is placed in the sheath 40, the change in capacitance changes the output state of the circuit. Alternatively, any known circuit or circuit configuration that operates in conjunction with a capacitive sensor can be used for this purpose.

FIG. 12 depicts a further embodiment of a sensor 120 for use in a user controller 8. In this specific implementation, instead of a light- or capacitive-based technology, the sensor 120 is a known mechanical sensor 120 positioned in the main body 10 as shown. The mechanical sensor 120 functions as a known mechanical sensor 120 operates to detect the presence of the user's thumb within the sheath 40. For example, the mechanical sensor 120 can be actuated by the user's thumb depressing the sensor 120, thereby indicating that the thumb is present within the sheath 40. According to one embodiment, it is understood that this embodiment has substantially the same features, modes of egress, and advantages, including insensitivity to motion in the direction of pinching motion, as the previously described embodiments.

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary known circuit for use in conjunction with a mechanical sensor such as sensor 120 discussed above with respect to FIG. 12 for detecting the presence of a user's thumb within the sheath 40, according to a further embodiment. In this embodiment, a mechanical switch (such as switch 120) is placed inside of the thumb sheath 40. In use, when the user's thumb is in place, the switch is actuated and the output state of the circuit changes. When the user's thumb is not in the sheath, the switch is open, and the output of the switch is pulled up to 5 volts. V1 inverts this signal to a 0 volt output. When the thumb is placed in the sheath, the switch is depressed, which changes the output of the circuit to 5 V. The switch debouncing circuitry is a circuit which filters out short duration transitions of the output when the mechanical switch is engaged and disengaged. Alternatively, any known circuit or circuit configuration that operates in conjunction with a mechanical sensor can be used for this purpose.

FIG. 10 depicts a user controller 8 having a user sensory feedback signal component 100, according to one embodiment. That is, this specific implementation has a signal component 100 that provides some type of sensory feedback to the user about whether the user's thumb is positioned within the sheath 40. In the specific embodiment depicted in FIG. 10, the feedback signal component 100 is a visual feedback component 100 in the form of an LED 100 that is disposed on the thumb sheath 40. Alternatively, any form of sensory feedback signal can be used. This feedback component 100 provides feedback to the user regarding whether the system (not shown) detects the presence of the user's thumb within the sheath 40. Feedback may be provided by multiple LEDs, auditory, or other visual signals. In use, according to this embodiment, the LED 100 would illuminate if the user's thumb is detected, thereby indicating that the thumb is positioned within the sheath 40. It is understood that the user controller 8 with the user feedback signal component 100 can have any of the various sensor components disclosed or contemplated herein. In addition, it is understood that the user feedback signal component 100 can be incorporated into any other embodiment disclosed or contemplated herein.

FIGS. 11A and 11B depict an adjustable sheath 40, according to one embodiment. More specifically, the sheath 40 in this specific implementation can move between a retracted position as shown in FIG. 11A and an extended position as shown in FIG. 11B. As such, the sheath 40 can be adjusted to be positioned with respect to the main body 10 in the retracted positioned in which the thumb opening 48 has a minimum width represented by arrow 110 (as shown in FIG. 11A) or can be extended out away from the body 10 up to the extended position in which the thumb opening 48 has a maximum width represented by arrow 112 (as shown in FIG. 11B). This adjustability enables the sheath 40 to conform to a wide array of user thumb sizes while supplying sufficient control authority to the user while still enabling the user to disengage in a controlled manner. It is further understood that the user controller 8 with the adjustable sheath 40 can have any of the various sensor or sensory feedback components disclosed or contemplated herein. In addition, it is understood that the adjustable sheath 40 can be incorporated into any other embodiment disclosed or contemplated herein.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, persons skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A user controller comprising: (a) a controller body; and (b) a thumb sheath coupled to the controller body, wherein the thumb sheath comprises: (i) a first sheath section extending from the controller body; and (ii) a second sheath section extending from the first sheath section, wherein the second sheath section is transverse to the first sheath segment, wherein the first sheath section, the second sheath section, and the controller body define a thumb opening and an open side. 